Extra products: Do I really need them?

Friday, 23 August 2013

Do I really need all the extra skin care steps or can I stick to the basics?

Thank you so much for your question. Yes, all the products and the marketing that goes with them can be very confusing! If you are happy about your skin and how it has progressed, I suggest you stay on the products that you have as it will be unnecessary to add on additional products to your regime (if it already gives your skin the result you are looking for). If conditions like fine lines and wrinkles are starting to become more of a concern to you in the long term, adding on additional anti-ageing products would be advisable for those SPECIFIC concerns. But there is no need to be using everything under the sun if your skin is healthy and looking the way you want it to look.

Granular exfoliators tend to make your skin sensitive if used too harshly and depending on their formulation, some granular exfoliators can even be damaging. At Skin Renewal we offer an Enzymatic Exfoliator from Nimue and Cathepzyme (also an enzymatic option) from Lamelle. Both of these enzymatic exfoliators are highly effective and they are certainly less sensitizing than granular exfoliators. You would apply them while you are in a hot bath or in the shower (the steam surrounding you, helps to activate the enzymes). After about 3 – 5min, you would dampen your fingertips and gently massage the product on the face for also about 3min, as heat and friction stimulates the enzymes to work. You then simply wash the product off and that is that. Chemical exfoliators, such as chemical peels are better done in the clinic where it is being applied and removed by a trained professional.

Dr Maureen Allem is a GP with a special interest in Aesthetic procedures and Integrative Anti-Ageing Medicine. She is also the founder and Medical Director of national group Skin, Body and Health Renewal and Oasis Spas, with 17 centres and four Oasis spas across South Africa's major cities in Johannesburg, Pretoria, the Western Cape and KZN. Anti-ageing treatments include non-surgical, anti-aging procedures, cellulite and weight loss programmes as well as body sculpting procedures. The ultimate aim of all consultations is to provide optimal health and to restore aesthetic beauty. Health Renewal appointments involves an hour long extensive medical consultation which includes hormonal balancing, nutraceutical supplements, intravenous support and detoxification treatments. Dr Maureen has seventeen Doctors working with her using the same techniques she has spent years honing. Dr Maureen frequently travels overseas to World Anti-Ageing Congresses and Laser Forums to stay abreast of the most up-to-date non-surgical procedures.

I basically think that it would depend on each individuals skin type as well. I don’t have problem skin, but I’m a beauty addict, so I try products on low maintenance. I basically am very picky when buying new products. I listen to a lot of reviews before I go out and buy, so it all helps.

Sign up for our newsletter!

We Love This Product

BeautySouthAfrica - your pre-shop stop for all things beauty

Beautysouthafrica.com is South Africa’s most comprehensive online beauty magazine and your pre-shop stop for product information and reviews. From the latest international make-up trends to the hottest new products on the market, we offer insights into the glamorous world of beauty. Join like-minded beauty fanatics in our loyalty program and earn points, trial beauty products and share your experiences.